Many people believe that it is natural for their feet to hurt. That isn’t true. Any time you have foot pain that lasts longer than a week you should get the pain examined by a qualified foot specialist, these include the following:

• Family Doctor
• Podiatrist
• Chiropodist
• Pedorthists
• Orthotists   
• Chiropractor
• Allied Health Care Practitioners

 

Some common foot conditions in which the application of Custom Foot Orthotics is beneficial are listed below:

Pes Planus; aka Flat Feet, the Pronated Foot:

Low arched, or flat feet, are a common type of foot structure.

Most flat feet are pronated which is a foot in poor functional position. Close examination of this type of foot in a weight-bearing position shows:

• turning out of the heel bone away from the centre of the body
• inward rotation of the leg
• bulging of the inner aspect of the ankle
• shifting of the forefoot outward from the heel

 

 

Orthotic Management:

Treatment starts with a proper evaluation of the underlying cause of the conditions to diagnose the appropriate correction.

Functional Custom Foot Orthotics to compensate for mechanical faults, will allow your feet to function with improved efficiency. Orthotics relieve stress from compromised joints, ligaments and muscles, diminishing deforming forces acting on the foot.

Heel Pain, Plantar Fascitis, and Bone Spurs:

Sharp pain, aching or stiffness on the bottom of one or both heels is a very common ailment.

Pain from Plantar Fasciitis is often at its worst upon awakening in the morning (or after sitting down for an extended period and then resuming activity). This pain causes hobbling or a limping gait pattern for a few minutes before a comfortable stride can be resumed.

As weight continues to be applied during walking or standing, mild or severe pain may persist.

Another cause of heel pain is bone spurs, where bone growth originates from the heel bone (Calcaneous) and pinches into the tendons of the heel from the Achilles tendon.

Injury, overuse, loss of fat pad and/or non-presence of fat tissue on the heel can also cause heel pain.

 

Orthotic Management:

Padding added to the dorsal surface of the orthotic will aid in comforting the heel bone; the addition of soft heel spur pads will help to support the perimeter of the heel bone to aid in pain management and healing time. Addition of a hole in the shell material of the orthotic with a soft orthopaedic material plug will aid in decreasing forces on the central axis of the heel. The main support of an orthotic will help maintain proper heel bone alignment to balance the forces acting on the tissues and muscle of the foot to prevent overuse, inflammation and injury.

BUNIONS ( HALLUX VALGUS)

A common deformity of the big toe joint, a bunion occurs mostly in people who have flat feet or who wear tight fitting footwear that are too small for their dynamic foot size.

Women are more frequently affected with bunions because of tight, pointed, confining or high heeled shoes. Wearing high heels is especially stressful on the joints of the foot because all of the body's weight rests on the ball of the foot; the foot is then forced into a narrow, pointed toe box, compounding the problem.

Older people are also vulnerable to bunions because of the higher incidence of arthritis affecting the big toe joint.

A bunion is a protuberance of bone or tissue around the joint. The enlargement occurs either at the base of the great toe or on the outside of the foot, at the base of the little toe. This is called a "bunionette" or "tailor's bunion."

 

 

Diabetes:

Because diabetes is a systemic disease affecting many different parts of the body, ideal case management requires a team approach. The Podiatrist Physician, Pedorthist, Chiropodist, Chiropractor and Allied Health Professional are an integral part of the treatment team and work effectively in the prevention of amputations.

The key to amputation prevention in diabetic patients is early recognition and regular foot screenings, from a Podiatric Physician.

In addition to these check ups, there are warning signs that you should be aware of so that they may be identified and called to the attention of the family physician or podiatrist. They include:

• Skin color changes
• Elevation in skin temperature
• Swelling of the foot or ankle
• Pain in the legs
• Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal
• Ingrown and fungal toenails
• Bleeding corns and calluses
• Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel

Wound Healing:

Ulceration is a common occurrence with the diabetic foot, and should be carefully treated and monitored by a Podiatrist to avoid amputations.

Poorly fitted shoes, or something as trivial as a stocking seam, can create a wound that may not be felt by someone whose skin sensation is diminished due to neuropathy. Left unattended, such ulcers can quickly become infected and lead to more serious consequences.

Your Podiatric Physician knows how to treat and prevent these wounds and can be an important factor in keeping your feet healthy and strong. New to the science of wound healing are remarkable products that have the appearance and handling characteristics of human skin. These living, skin-like products are applied to wounds that are properly prepared by the Podiatric Physician. Clinical trials have shown impressive success rates.

If You Have Diabetes Already . . . DO:

• Wash feet daily.
  Using mild soap and lukewarm water wash your feet in the mornings or before bed each evening. Dry carefully with a soft towel, especially between the toes, and dust your feet with talcum powder to wick away moisture. If the skin is dry, use a good moisturizing cream daily, but avoid getting it between the toes.

• Inspect feet and toes daily.
  Check your feet every day for cuts, bruises, sores or changes to the toenails, such as thickening or discoloration. If age or other factors hamper self-inspection, ask someone to help you, or use a mirror.

• Lose weight.
  People with diabetes are commonly overweight, which nearly doubles the risk of complications.

• Wear thick, soft socks.
  Socks made of an acrylic blend are well suited, but avoid mended socks or those with seams, which could rub to cause blisters or other skin injuries.

• Stop smoking.
  Tobacco can contribute to circulatory problems, which can be especially troublesome in patients with diabetes.

• Cut toenails straight across.
  Never cut into the corners, or taper, which could trigger an ingrown toenail. Use an emery board to gently file away sharp corners or snags. If your nails are hard to trim, ask your podiatrist for assistance.

• Exercise.
  As a means to keep weight down and improve circulation, walking is one of the best all-around exercises for the diabetic patient. Walking is also an excellent conditioner for your feet. Be sure to wear appropriate athletic shoes when exercising. Ask your podiatric physician what’s best for you.

• See your podiatric physician.
  Regular checkups by your podiatric physician are the best way to ensure that your feet remain healthy.

• Be properly measured and fitted every time you buy new shoes.
  Shoes are of supreme importance to diabetes sufferers because poorly fitted shoes are involved in as many as half of the problems that lead to amputations. Because foot size and shape may change over time, everyone should have their feet measured by an experienced shoe fitter whenever they buy a new pair of shoes.
  
  New shoes should be comfortable at the time they’re purchased and should not require a "break-in" period, though it’s a good idea to wear them for short periods of time at first. Shoes should have leather or canvas uppers, fit both the length and width of the foot, leave room for toes to wiggle freely, and be cushioned and sturdy.

• Don’t go barefoot.
  Not even in your own home. Barefoot walking outside is particularly dangerous because of the possibility of cuts, falls and infection. When at home, wear slippers. Never go barefoot.

• Don’t wear high heels, sandals, or shoes with pointed toes.
  These types of footwear can put undue pressure on parts of the foot and contribute to bone and joint disorders, as well as diabetic ulcers. In addition, open-toed shoes and sandals with straps between the first two toes should also be avoided.

• Don’t drink in excess.
  Alcohol can contribute to neuropathy (nerve damage) which is one of the consequences of diabetes. Drinking can speed up the damage associated with the disease, deaden more nerves and increase the possibility of overl